Hi There,

I would like to know how difficult or easy it will be to get into an accelerated BSN if I already have a Bachelor Degree in nursing. My intention is to raise my GPA which is below 3.0. Could I get into some of the best ABSN schools in the country?

Thanks.

To clarify, did you say you already have a bachelor's in nursing?

Why, then, are you seeking another bachelor's in nursing?

In my neck of the woods, the only difference between "accelerated" and regular BSN is the number of classes taken at a given time (take more classes per semester, finish faster). The degree awarded is the same.

Am I missing something?

If I were you I wouldn't do an accelerated BSN if you already have a nursing degree. Waste of time and $. I would just maybe retake a few of the courses needed as prereq's for crna school that you didn't do well in, i.e. under 3.0 in a class. I did the accelerated BSN because I had a previous BS in physiology and a MS in basic medical sciences so I didn't have a choice. Good luck!

JC

I'm sure I'm misunderstanding something here... Why would you want a BSN if you already have one? Is there something about "accelerated" I don't know?

I'm not sure what the question is....You are wanting to get ANOTHER BSN in order to have a better GPA? Are you having a difficult time finding work r/t grades?

In my experience, employers look at the whole package: personality, experience, attitude, etc.

Actually, I think you wouldn't have much chance, for two reasons:

1) The ABSN programs are very competitive so if you're at

2) The ABSN programs are generally geared toward re-entry students with bachelor's degrees outside of nursing or for ADNs who want their BSN. I'd think they'd frown on someone who's trying to take a coveted spot for a duplicate degree, especially just to raise their GPA.

Besides, do you really think the CRNA programs wouldn't look askance at someone who duplicated all of their degree classes in order to raise their GPA? And, even if you did get a 4.0 by retaking all of the BSN classes, averaged with your earlier grades is still only a 3.5 which is minimally competitive for the CRNA programs that I've looked at.

Frankly, if you want to raise your grades, your best bet is to take a degree in a related program. For CRNA, I'd look at a BS in biochemistry or physiology.

IMO, you're unlikely to get into any ABSN program, let alone the best. Here's why:

1) They're very competitive and your grades are not so good. From what I've seen, getting in with less than a 3.4 or so is pretty challenging. I think your BSN doesn't help.

2) Actually, your BSN hurts you, I think. These ABSN programs are geared toward either re-entry students from other fields or RNs looking for a BSN. I think they're unlikely to award a coveted spot to someone looking for a duplicate degree in order to raise their grades.

BTW, this thread is in the wrong category...

thanks, beggar♂

moved to pre-crna forum.

Hi there,

I guess this proves that I have no idea how the system works. But I still want to be a CRNA, which means I have to find another means to do it. Thanks anyway

A different approach would be to go for an MSN, do very well, and then apply to a CRNA program that offers a post-master's certificate. Your very best bet, is to sit down and have a chat with the school(s) you're looking at. As good as our intentions are on this board, the best we can do is speculate. You need to do some footwork and go talk to the folks at the program(s), they'll give you THE answer.

Good luck....

Hi there,

I guess this proves that I have no idea how the system works. But I still want to be a CRNA, which means I have to find another means to do it. Thanks anyway

I guess we're all just a little confused here. Are you an RN in Finland? Do you want to go to CRNA school and work as a CRNA in the US? If so, could you come here and work as an RN, get some experience, and take some classes (like biochem, Organic chem, etc) to show that you're a serious student now? I'm not familiar with which, if any, schools accept degrees from foreign universities. Perhaps you could look into that? You could start with the schools with CRNA programs where you would want to live in the US.

If there's a way for your to get your RN license in the US without going through another nursing program, I would definitely do that. You could take a staff ICU job with good tuition benefits and gain US ICU experience while taking classes. It seems wasteful to go through an entire bachelor's in nursing program again -- that should really be your last resort. If US CRNA programs won't accept a foreign degree, you'd be better off looking into those programs which don't require a BSN, but which accept a bachelor's in a 'related field' (like chemistry).

Hope this helps!

Thanks again,

I would like to know if any Masters Degree in nursing is good enough or there are some specific programs that are more prefered. And some have suggested taking classes in biochemistry or organic chemistry and stuff - is there any specific level that is required?

I truly appreciate the help!

Just take a few grad school courses to show you can handle the work, take your GRE's and do well in your interveiw. Get CCRN certification and learn as much as you can in the ICU and obtain strong letters of recommendation. It makes no sense to wast time, energy and money obtaing a Masters degree in a specialty you don't want. Don't stress yourself out! Everything is taken into account.